WHZ Tactics: West Ham must stop Leandro Trossard influence in Brighton clash
West Ham United welcome Brighton to the London Stadium on Sunday, looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Seagulls aren’t in the best run of form and drew against struggling Sheffield United last time out, despite them having 10-men.
David Moyes’ men didn’t do much better, losing heavily against London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge thanks to two late goals.
There is one danger man that the Irons will have to contest with.
Brighton may not have been at their usual best, but Leandro Trossard is one of their options playing out of his skin this season.
The Belgian winger is at the heart of everything good about the Seagulls and is the one who drives them forward into the final third time after time.
Against Sheffield United, Trossard completed six progressive runs and even assisted six shots on the Blades goal as they sat behind the ball [WyScout].
His shining moment potentially came in their defeat against Manchester United.
The 26-year-old hit the woodwork on three separate occasions, as he consistently pierced through the Red Devils midfield with ease.
Trossard will start on the left-hand side but don’t be fooled, he will cut inside and make himself a threat in the heart of midfield, which is something for Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek to deal with.
Looking at his heat map, Trossard loves to float and free-roam in the final third.
This could be a real problem for the Irons, who will need to stay nice and compact in defence to stop the likes of the Belgian picking the ball up in attacking areas.
Trossard had 80 touches of the ball against Sheffield United, 41 more than Brighton’s other two attackers managed combined according to WhoScored.
His attacking influence is clear, and the Irons must keep him under reigns this afternoon.
In other West Ham United news, Tony Cottee labels Manuel Lanzini as ‘best footballer’ at the London Stadium